Bucket for handling liquids

ABSTRACT

A bucket for handling liquids comprising a collector reservoir, a wringer receptacle having a collector outlet in fluid communication with the collector reservoir and a storage reservoir comprising at least one discharge aperture. The wringer receptacle is positionable between a first position wherein the wringer receptacle blocks the discharge aperture and a second position wherein the wringer receptacle allows fluid communication between the storage reservoir and the wringer receptacle through the discharge aperture. Rinsing of a cleaning medium in the bucket according to the invention is controlled through use of the cleaning medium actuating the wringer receptacle. The storage reservoir may also comprise a valve that can be actuated by movement of the wringer receptacle.

The present invention claims priority of U.S. provisional patentapplications 60/892,634 filed Mar. 2, 2007 and 60/939,078 filed May 20,2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to cleaning products. Moreparticularly, it relates to a cleaning bucket for handling liquids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In basic cleaning buckets, the mop is immersed in the clean washsolution and, in so doing, contaminates the clean wash solution bydirect contact with the dirty mop. The cleaning medium is thusrepeatedly rinsed in soiled wash solution from previous soakings andwringings. This results in the spreading of soiled or dirty washsolution on the surfaces to be cleaned. This method of cleaning iscounter-productive and not optimal since contaminated water is then usedfor cleaning tasks.

There exist a certain number of multi-compartmented cleaning bucketsthat have been developed as improvements over the basic cleaning bucket(with a single compartment). Such buckets provide for separatecontainment of the dirty wash liquid and the clean wash solution whichare isolated from each other.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,307 describes a compartmented cleaning bucket.However, in such a system, discharge of the cleaning wash liquid into adischarge transfer compartment is not easily controlled by the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,045,252 describes another compartmented cleaning bucketin which discharge of the clean wash liquid into a transfer compartmentis controlled with a valve. However, a user must constantly open andclose the valve manually in order to rinse the mop in a clean liquidsolution.

Other bucket systems known to the applicant are described inhttp://vvww.limpieza.com/busca_docs.asp?id=612, and in the followingpatents or patent applications WO 0000077, EP 0,956,807, U.S. Pat. No.5,548,865, U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,397, U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,230, U.S. Pat.No. 6,279,195 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,457203.

Thus, there is still presently a need for a bucket that can control theamount of clean wash solution being applied on the cleaning medium (mop,sponge or any other item) while isolating the soiled water from theclean wash solution. The control has to be easily accomplished by theuser without necessarily having to release the cleaning medium beingrinsed or wringed. Such a bucket would allow for efficient and hygieniccleaning tasks using a clean wash solution only and thus reduce thespreading of soiled water on the surfaces to be cleaned in an efficientmanner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to propose a bucket that satisfiesthe above-mentioned need.

More particularly, the present invention provides a bucket for handlingliquids comprising:

-   -   a collector reservoir;    -   a wringer receptacle comprising:        -   a collector outlet in fluid communication with the collector            reservoir; and    -   a storage reservoir comprising at least one discharge aperture.

The wringer receptacle is positionable between a first position whereinthe wringer receptacle blocks the at least one discharge aperture and asecond position wherein the wringer receptacle allows fluidcommunication between the storage reservoir and the wringer receptaclethrough the at least one discharge aperture.

The present invention also provides a bucket for handling liquidscomprising:

-   -   a collector reservoir;    -   a wringer receptacle comprising:        -   a collector outlet in fluid communication with the collector            reservoir; and        -   a biasing structure; and    -   a storage reservoir comprising:        -   a discharge aperture; and        -   a spring valve closing the discharge aperture.

The wringer receptacle is positionable between a first position whereinthe wringer receptacle biasing structure allows fluid communicationbetween the storage reservoir and the wringer receptacle through the atleast one discharge aperture by actuating the spring valve, and a secondposition wherein the wringer receptacle biasing structure releases thespring valves and blocks fluid communication between the storagereservoir and the wringer receptacle.

Such a cleaning bucket eliminates wash solution contamination whichtypically occurs after the wringing, rinsing or soaking of a cleaningmedium (mop, sponge, cloth or any other item) in the wash solution. Thisis achieved by metering of the wash solution into the wringer receptaclefor the cleaning medium. This allows for an improved cleaning processwhich yields cleaner surfaces since the wash solution used for cleaningremains always clean and contaminant free.

The present invention represents an improvement over other compartmentedcleaning buckets because the cleaning medium, such as a mop head, neverenters in the clean wash solution compartment. The clean wash solutionflows on the mop head directly into the wringer receptacle. Thisprevents clean wash solution contamination and therefore preventscontaminated wash solution from being deposited over and over again onthe target surfaces to be cleaned.

Similarly, the present invention facilitates cleaning tasks by notrequiring several replacements of the wash solution which normallybecomes soiled after a certain number of soakings of the cleaningmedium. The design also minimizes movement or displacements of thecleaning medium since rinsing and wringing are carried out in a samelocation, the wringer receptacle. Rinsing can also be controlled throughuse of the cleaning medium itself.

The present invention also has an environmental benefit as less water isrequired to perform the cleaning task since no replacement of the washsolution is required. Moreover, a smaller amount of wash solution isrequired in the first place.

The present invention also represents a simple mechanical solution as ithas only one principal moving part and is inexpensive to manufacture.

A non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments of the inventionwill now be given with reference to the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A to 1D are perspective, top, side and front views respectivelyof a bucket according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of the bucket shown in FIG. 1Ain a closed flow configuration and an open flow configuration;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bucket shown in FIG. 1A with a mopinserted in the wringer receptacle;

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the bucket shown in FIG. 3 withliquid rinsing the mop;

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the bucket shown in FIG. 3 withthe mop being wrung;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are detailed views of the wringer receptacle shown inFIG. 5;

FIGS. 7A to 7C are respectively perspective and two detailed views ofthe bucket shown in FIG. 1A with the wringer receptacle removed;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are respectively perspective and detailed views of thebucket shown in FIG. 1A, in a closed flow configuration;

FIGS. 9A to 9C are respectively perspective and two detailed views ofthe bucket shown in FIG. 1A, in an open flow configuration;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are bottom partially-cut perspective and detailedviews respectively of the bucket shown in FIG. 1A;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are other bottom partially-cut perspective anddetailed views respectively of the bucket shown in FIG. 1A;

FIGS. 12A to 12E are assembly views showing the interface between thecollector reservoir and the wringer receptacle of the bucket shown inFIG. 1A;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are side and cross-sectional views of the interfaceshown in FIGS. 12A to 12E;

FIGS. 14A to 14E are assembly views showing the interface between thestorage reservoir and the collector reservoir of the bucket shown inFIG. 1A;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are side and cross-sectional views of the interfaceshown in FIGS. 14A to 14E;

FIGS. 16A to 16C are side and two perspective views of a valve used inthe bucket shown in FIG. 1A;

FIGS. 17A and 17B are side and perspective partially-cut views of thevalve shown in FIGS. 16A to 16C with the bucket in a closed flowconfiguration;

FIGS. 18A and 18B are side and perspective partially-cut views of thevalve shown in FIGS. 16A to 16C with the bucket in an open flowconfiguration;

FIGS. 19A to 19D are perspective, top, side and front views respectivelyof a bucket according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 20A to 20D are perspective assembly views of the bucket shown inFIG. 19A, highlighting assembly of the storage reservoir and its springvalve;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the bucket shown in FIG. 19A with a mopinserted in the wringer receptacle;

FIGS. 22A and 22B are cross-sectional views of the bucket shown in FIG.19A in a closed flow configuration and an open flow configuration;

FIG. 23 is another perspective view of the bucket shown in FIG. 21 withliquid rinsing the mop;

FIG. 24 is another perspective view of the bucket shown in FIG. 21 withthe mop being wrung;

FIGS. 25A and 25B are cross-section side views of the valve shown inFIG. 20D with the bucket in a closed flow configuration;

FIGS. 26A and 26B are cross-section side views of the valve shown inFIG. 20D with the bucket in an open flow configuration;

FIGS. 27A to 27D are side and perspective views of the operation of thewringer receptacle rotation stops and locking features between closedflow position and open flow position of the bucket shown in FIG. 19A;

FIGS. 28A to 28C are perspective, side and cross-sectional viewsrespectively of the storage reservoir snap lock feature with thecollector reservoir of the bucket shown in FIG. 19A;

FIGS. 29A and 29B are partially cut perspective and exploded viewsrespectively of a bucket according to another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 30 is a partially cut perspective view of the bucket shown in FIG.29A with a mop;

FIGS. 31A and 32B are partially cut perspective view of the bucket shownin FIG. 29A with a mop in the open flow configuration;

FIGS. 32A to 32F are a pair of side cross-sectional and two top viewsrespectively of the storage reservoir and wringer receptacle interfaceof the bucket shown in FIG. 29A in a closed and open flow configuration;

FIGS. 33A and 33B are perspective and partially-cut perspective views ofa bucket according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a partially-cut perspective view of a bucket according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 35A and 35B are cross-sectional views of the bucket shown in FIG.34 in a closed flow configuration and an open flow configuration;

FIGS. 36A and 36B are bottom perspective and detailed views respectivelyof the storage reservoir and the wringer receptacle of the bucket shownin FIG. 34;

FIGS. 37A to 37D are perspective, front, side and top views respectivelyof a bucket according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 38A and 38B are partially cut and detailed views respectively ofthe bucket shown in FIG. 37A in an open flow configuration.

FIGS. 39A and 39B are perspective and top views of a wringer receptacleaccording to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 40A and 40B are side views in a closed flow position and an openflow position of the wringer receptacle shown in FIGS. 39A and 39B.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to any one of FIGS. 1A to 18B, a bucket 10 for handlingliquids according to a first embodiment of the present invention isshown.

According to the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, thebucket 10 comprises a collector reservoir 12 and a wringer receptacle14. The wringer receptacle 14 has a collector outlet 18 in fluidcommunication with the collector reservoir 12. The bucket also comprisesa storage reservoir 16 having at least one discharge aperture 20. Theaperture 20 is better illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The wringerreceptacle 14 is positionable between a first position (shown in FIG.2A) wherein the wringer receptacle 14 blocks the discharge aperture 20and a second position (shown in FIG. 2B) wherein the wringer receptacle14 allows fluid communication between the storage reservoir 16 and thewringer receptacle 14 through the discharge aperture 20.

Preferably, the wringer receptacle 14 is rotatably positionable betweenthe first position and the second position.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the bucket 10 preferablycomprises a spring mechanism for biasing the wringer receptacle 14towards the first position.

Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 14A to 14E, the storage reservoir 16 isremovably attached to the bucket. In another embodiment of the presentinvention, the storage reservoir may be integral to the collectorreservoir.

Preferably, the storage reservoir comprises a first floor surface, thewringer receptacle comprises a second floor surface, the collectorreservoir comprises a third floor surface, the first floor surface ishigher than the second floor surface and the second floor surface ishigher than the third floor surface. This implies that liquids in thebucket flow through gravitational effects from the storage reservoir, tothe wringer receptacle and then to the collector reservoir.

Preferably, the wringer receptacle 14 comprises at least one fluid inletaperture 22 and the at least one fluid inlet aperture 22 is in registerwith the at least one discharge aperture 20 when the wringer receptacle14 is in the second position as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9B.

Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 16A to 17B, the storage reservoir 16further comprises at least one spring valve 26 closing the at least onedischarge aperture.

As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the wringer receptacle preferablycomprises a biasing structure 28. As mentioned previously, the storagereservoir may comprise a discharge aperture 20 and a spring valve 26closing the discharge aperture 20. Hence, the wringer receptacle 14 ispositionable between a first position (shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B)wherein the wringer receptacle biasing structure 28 allows fluidcommunication between the storage reservoir 16 and the wringerreceptacle 14 through the discharge aperture 20 by actuating the springvalve 26, and a second position (shown FIGS. 16A to 16C) wherein thewringer receptacle biasing structure 28 releases the spring valve 26 andblocks fluid communication between the storage reservoir 16 and thewringer receptacle 14.

Operational Use of the Bucket

Similar to conventional mop and bucket systems, a user may start amopping task by filling the storage reservoir 16 with a desired cleaningsolution. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the storagereservoir has a capacity of 10 L (2.64 Gallons). Once this isaccomplished, the operation can be broken down into two phases: moprinsing and mop wringing.

Mop Rinsing

The mop head 50 (rectangular sponge-type mop or round-type threaded mop)is positioned in the wringer receptacle 14 as shown in FIG. 3. Thewringer receptacle may have an inscription “OPEN” where the mop head isto be placed. A downward force is then applied on the wringer receptacle14 by applying a downward pushing force on the mop handle 52.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, this will impose a 20° degree rotation ofthe wringer receptacle. This moves away any structure located in frontof the storage reservoir 16 aperture 20 and sealing structure 58. Themop is soaked and rinsed by 13 jets of flowing cleaning solution untilthe desired level of rinsing is achieved as shown in FIG. 4. Any excesscleaning solution is automatically drained by gravity through drainopenings 54 to the collector reservoir 12. There is also a poolingeffect of clean wash solution accumulating in the wringer receptacle 14.Pool water is drained when wringer receptacle 14 is rotated back to theclosed flow position.

Mop Wringing

Wash solution flow into the wringer receptacle is interrupted byapplying a downward force on the wringer receptacle 14, on the facewhere drain openings 54 are located. This will impose a 20° degreerotation of the wringer receptacle in a direction opposite the moprinsing procedure, aligning back the blocking structure located on thewringer receptacle 14 in front of the outlet aperture 20. Mop wringingis also accomplished within the wringer receptacle by the same downwardmotion of the mop releasing excess solution into the collector reservoir12 by gravity. The mop can now be lifted from the bucket and is readyfor cleaning tasks.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the wringer receptacle 14 preferablycomprises a built-in mop wringing receptacle 56.

As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the storage reservoir 16 preferablycomprises for sealing purposes two 0.210″ cross section O-rings 58installed in grooves on the storage reservoir 16.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate sealing with the wringer receptacle 14 in theclosed position. A face seal is created between the wringer receptacle14 side surfaces and the O-ring 58.

FIGS. 9A to 9C illustrate sealing with the wringer receptacle 14 in theopen flow position. In this configuration, the wringer receptaclemanifold openings 60 are aligned with storage reservoir apertures 20.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show wringer receptacle rotation stop structures 62with the wringer receptacle 14 in the open flow position. In thisconfiguration, collector reservoir 12 cavities act as wringer rotationstops.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show wringer receptacle rotation stop structures 64with the wringer receptacle 14 in the closed position. In thisconfiguration, collector reservoir 12 cavities act as wringer rotationstops.

FIGS. 12A to 13B illustrate how the wringer receptacle 14 can be snapfitted onto the collector reservoir 12 through appropriate interfaces.

FIGS. 14A to 15B illustrate how the storage reservoir can be snap fittedonto the collector reservoir 12 through appropriate interfaces.

Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 16A to 18B, as an option, the storagereservoir 16 comprises a self-closing valve 26 having a spring 66.

As shown in FIGS. 16A to 16C, the storage may be removed from the bucketassembly for filling, thus placing the valve 26 in a closed position.

Then, when the storage reservoir is placed in the bucket, the valve 26is opened as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B.

To allow flow between the storage reservoir 16 and the wringerreceptacle 14, the wringer receptacle fluid inlet aperture 22 is placedin register with the storage reservoir discharge aperture 20 as shown inFIGS. 18A and 18B.

Wash Solution Disposal

Once the mopping task is completed, the wash solution is disposed of byfirst emptying the excess water solution located in the storagereservoir 16 into the collector reservoir 12. This is accomplished byopening the wringer valve (as is done in the mop rinsing phase) to allowdrainage into the collector reservoir. With all the solution now locatedin the collector reservoir 12, the bucket may be tilted to allow thefluid to flow out through a collector reservoir spout 70 (shown forexample in FIGS. 1B and 1C).

The above-mentioned first embodiment of the present invention iscompatible with rectangular sponge type mops, traditional yarn mops,sponges, cleaning cloths and other hand held cleaning mediums, and isideal for car wash applications.

Moreover, the low access wringer requires minimal lifting of the mop.The bucket is easy and intuitive to operate.

Referring to any one of FIGS. 19A to 28C, a bucket 10 for handlingliquids according to a second embodiment of the present invention isshown.

As shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, the bucket 10 comprises a collectorreservoir 12′ and a wringer receptacle 14′. The wringer receptacle 14′has a collector outlet 18′ in fluid communication with the collectorreservoir 12′. The bucket also comprises a storage reservoir 16′ havingat least one discharge aperture 20′. The aperture 20′ is betterillustrated in FIGS. 20C and 20D. The wringer receptacle 14′ ispositionable between a first position (shown in FIG. 22A) wherein thewringer receptacle 14′ blocks the discharge aperture 20′ and a secondposition (shown in FIG. 22B) wherein the wringer receptacle 14′ allowsfluid communication between the storage reservoir 16′ and the wringerreceptacle 14′ through the discharge aperture 20′.

Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 20A to 20C, the storage reservoir 16′ isremovably attached to the bucket. If desired, the storage reservoir 16′can be lifted off and filled in a sink separately. The storage reservoirpreferably has 8″ total height. The reservoir also has handles 80′ tosnap fit on/off the reservoir on the bucket. Four legs 82′ maintain thereservoir horizontal while filling. The storage reservoir alsopreferably comprises a self closing valve 26′ as shown in FIG. 20D. Thestorage reservoir preferably has a tank capacity of 8.9 L (2.35Gallons).

Preferably, the wringer receptacle 14 comprises at least one fluid inletaperture 22′ and the at least one fluid inlet aperture 22′ is inregister with the at least one discharge aperture 20′ when the wringerreceptacle 14′ is in the second position as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B.

As also shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, the wringer receptacle preferablycomprises a biasing structure 28′. As mentioned previously, the storagereservoir may comprise a discharge aperture 20′ and a spring valve 26′closing the discharge aperture 20′. Hence, the wringer receptacle 14′ ispositionable between a first position wherein the wringer receptaclebiasing structure 28′ allows fluid communication between the storagereservoir 16′ and the wringer receptacle 14′ through the dischargeaperture 20′ by actuating the spring valve 26′, and a second positionwherein the wringer receptacle biasing structure 28′ releases the springvalve 26′ and blocks fluid communication between the storage reservoir16′ and the wringer receptacle 14′.

Operational Use of the Bucket

As mentioned previously, a user may start a mopping task by filling thestorage reservoir 16′ with a desired cleaning solution. Once this isaccomplished, the operation can be broken down into two phases: moprinsing and mop wringing.

Mop Rinsing

The mop head 50′ (rectangular sponge-type mop or round-type threadedmop) is positioned in the wringer receptacle 14′ as shown in FIG. 3. Thewringer receptacle may have an inscription “OPEN” where the mop head isto be placed. A downward force is then applied on the wringer receptacle14′ by applying a downward pushing force on the mop handle 52′.

As shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, this will impose a 10° degree rotation ofthe wringer receptacle. This moves the wringer receptacle biasingstructure against the spring valve 26′ which allows fluid communicationbetween the storage reservoir 16′ and the wringer receptacle. The mop issoaked and rinsed by 13 jets of flowing cleaning solution until thedesired level of rinsing is achieved as shown in FIG. 23. The averagedebit flow is 0.1 L/sec (3.4 Fl. Oz/sec.). As the storage reservoirpreferably has a capacity of flowing for 100 sec, there are 10 rinsespossible at 10 sec per rinse for example. Any excess cleaning solutionis automatically drained by gravity through drain openings 54′ to thecollector reservoir 12′. There is also a pooling effect of clean washsolution accumulating in the wringer receptacle 14′. Pool water isdrained when wringer receptacle 14′ is rotated back to the closed flowposition.

Mop Wringing

Wash solution flow into the wringer receptacle is interrupted byapplying a downward force on the wringer receptacle 14′, on the facewhere drain openings 54′ are located as shown in FIG. 24. This willimpose a 10° degree rotation of the wringer receptacle in a directionopposite the mop rinsing procedure, moving the wringer receptaclebiasing structure 28′ away from the spring valve 26′. Mop wringing isalso accomplished within the wringer receptacle by the same downwardmotion of the mop releasing excess solution into the collector reservoir12′ by gravity. The mop can now be lifted from the bucket and is readyfor cleaning tasks.

FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate operation of the valve in the closed flowposition. The valve 26′ comprises a plug 90′ and a compressing spring92′. The compression spring 92′ imposes a downward force on the plug 90′for sealing cleaning solution flow.

FIGS. 26A and 26B illustrate operation of the valve in the open flowposition. Wringer receptacle 14′ rotation imposes an upward force 94′acting against the valve 26′ pushing up the plug 90′, allowing cleaningsolution to flow through the plug 90′ into the wringer receptacle 14′.

FIGS. 27A to 27D illustrate the operation of the wringer receptaclerotation stops and locking features between closed flow position shownin FIGS. 27A and 27B and the open flow position shown in FIGS. 27C and27D. As shown in the figures, the wringer receptacle lateral extensions96′ snap fit against a collector reservoir snap-fit feature 98′.

FIGS. 28A to 28C illustrate the storage reservoir 16′ snap lock featurewith the collector reservoir 12′. Handles 99′ are provided to releasethe storage reservoir from the collector reservoir.

The above-mentioned second embodiment of the present invention iscompatible with rectangular sponge type mops, traditional yarn mops,sponges, cleaning cloths and other hand held cleaning mediums, and isideal for car wash applications.

Preferably, according to another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, as shown in FIGS. 39A to 40B, the wringer receptacle 14further comprises a pool drain 400 for draining liquids 402 from thewringer receptacle 14 independently of the collector outlet 18. Thisdrain 400 prevents the pool water from coming in contact with thecleaning medium once the wringer is rotated to the closed flow positionas illustrated in FIGS. 40A and 40B. The wringer receptacle 14 alsocomprises a concave-like floor 404 at one end allowing for liquids topool up when it is rotated in the open flow position shown in FIG. 40B.These pooled liquids 402 then exit the wringer receptacle 14 through thepool drain 400 when the receptacle is rotated back to the closed flowposition shown in FIG. 40A.

FIGS. 29A to 33B show a bucket 10 according to another preferredembodiment of the present invention. It is simple in design, has a lowmanufacturing cost and offers a high gross margin.

The three main parts are once again the collector reservoir 12″, thewringer receptacle 14 and the storage reservoir 16 and can be assembledthrough a snap fit assembly. Additionally, the design provides for twostandard sealing rings 40″ that are installed in their mating wringerreceptacle grooves.

All components may be manufactured from plastic materials throughinjection molding.

The wringer receptacle 14″ is assembled onto the storage reservoir 16″by a simple snap fit feature 42″ (shown in FIG. 32A). In turn, thestorage reservoir 16″ is secured onto the bucket 10 by snapping onto areinforced top edge of the collector reservoir 12″.

Cleaning Solution Filling

The storage reservoir 16″ is filled with the desired solution.

The mop is placed at the bottom of the wringer receptacle 14″, a twistof the mop handle rotates the wringer valve and opens the wash solutionflow as shown in FIGS. 30 to 31B.

The mop is soaked and rinsed by 16 jets of flowing cleaning solutionuntil the desired level of rinsing is achieved.

Excess cleaning solution is automatically drained by gravity to thecollector reservoir 12″.

A clockwise twist of the mop handle rotates the wringer valve back tothe closed position, interrupting the cleaning solution flow andallowing for in-situ mop wringing.

Wringed out fluid is drained by gravity to the collector reservoir 12″.

FIGS. 32A to 32F illustrate operation of the wringer receptacle betweenthe closed flow position (FIGS. 32A to 32C) and the open flow position(FIGS. 32D to 32F). The mop head is first bottomed in the wringerreceptacle 14″ allowing the mop threads to position themselves betweencircumferentially arrayed cross-shaped protrusions 120″. This allows thewringer receptacle 14″ to be rotated by simple torsion of the mophandle. The torsion applied to the mop handle is transferred to thewringer receptacle via an interlocking effect of the mop threads betweenthe cross-shaped protrusions 120″.

A 90 degree counter-clockwise rotation of the wringer receptacle 14″,will align each of the two wringer receptacle inlets 122″ with theapertures of the storage reservoir, allowing for clean wash solution toflow through the sixteen wringer receptacle discharge holes 124″. Thewringer receptacle preferably comprises two rotation stoppers 126″ whichlimit rotation. The mop can be freely manipulated and soaked until thedesired level of rinsing is achieved. Wash solution flow is interruptedby applying a 90 degree clockwise rotation of the wringer receptacle.

Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 33A and 33B, the wringer receptacle 14″further comprises a housing cover 100″ projecting over a top area of thestorage reservoir 16. The housing cover 100″ comprises a pouringaperture 102″ for allowing pouring of fluids therethrough into thestorage reservoir 16″.

FIGS. 34 to 36B show a bucket 10′″ according to yet another preferredembodiment of the present invention. The design is compatible withrectangular sponge type mops and with threaded mops.

FIGS. 35A and 35B illustrate how the wringer receptacle 14′″ rotatesbetween the closed flow and open flow positions in this embodiment. Inthis case, a 15° wringer receptacle rotation is required to open andclose cleaning solution flow.

A shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B, the main differences between this bucketand the previously shown ones include a recessed cavity 160′″ for easydisposal of waste water through the collector reservoir spout. Thestorage reservoir also comprises rotation stops which also act aswringer receptacle locking features. A cylindrical snap-fit assemblyfeature 164′″ is also provided.

Operation of this bucket is similar to the other ones described above.First, the storage reservoir is filled with the desired solution. Themop is then placed on the OPEN side of the wringer receptacle, and adownward push of the mop handle rotates the wringer receptacle, thisopening the wash solution flow. The mop is soaked and rinsed by 18 jetsof flowing cleaning solution until the desired level of rinsing isachieved. Excess cleaning solution is automatically drained by gravityto the Drain Bucket. For wringing, the mop is placed on the drain sideof the wringer receptacle, and a downward push of the mop handle rotatesthe wringer receptacle, thus closing the wash solution flow. The mop canthen be wringed out in-situ.

Commercial Version of the Bucket

FIGS. 37A to 38B illustrate another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention adapted to commercial-grade mop buckets and lever-actuatedtype mop wringers.

The commercial bucket 200 comprises two main assemblies, a collectorreservoir 202 and a tank and wringer assembly 204. The collectorreservoir 202 has two main functions: (1) capturing and storing usedwash solution and (2) supporting the tank and wringer assembly 204mounted on top of it. The bucket is fitted with four directional wheelstypically used in commercial grade mop buckets.

As shown in FIGS. 37C and 37D, the tank and wringer assembly 204 can bedivided into three sections: a wash solution tank 206, a wash solutionflow control 208 and a wringer 210.

The wash solution tank 206 incorporates baffles to alleviate washsolution inertia caused by displacement of the product. It is alsofitted with a cover which can be pivotally mounted to the tank or bedesigned as a stand-alone lid.

It should be noted that most existing lever-actuated wringer designs canbe used in the wringer section of the tank and wringer assembly 204.

Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B, the bucket 10 comprises aflow control valve for controlling a flow rate through the at least onedischarge aperture 20. This flow control mechanism 208 consists of aflow control lever acting as a valve. The horizontal section of thehandle features multiple parallel holes through which the wash solutionflows into the wringer receptacle. The holes are positioned in such away that when the lever is in the closed position (vertical position),the wash solution flow is blocked by the handle's cylindrical surface.When the handle is rotated to the open flow position (as shown in FIGS.38A and 38B), the holes 212 align with the tank and wringer assemblyholes, thus allowing wash solution to flow into the wringer receptacle.

Preferably, according to another embodiment of the present invention,the bucket 10 may further comprise a storage drawer removably attachedto the bucket 10 or added to the tank and wringer assembly. Thiscompartment can be located below the tank section and be accessible fromthe front side. The storage feature of the product can take the shape ofa drawer-type storage system or a simple opening giving access to astorage volume area.

The commercial bucket design has the benefit of requiring less effortfrom a user than with traditional commercial mop bucket and wringerswhile delivering superior cleaning results.

To operate the commercial bucket, a dry mop is first placed in thewringer receptacle. The flow control lever 208 is then rotated to openthe wash solution flow into the wringer receptacle (as shown in FIG.38B). At this point, the mop is subjected to several jets of clean washsolution allowing for rinsing and soaking of the mop to a desired level.The excess wash solution is automatically drained into the collectorreservoir. The flow of wash solution is interrupted by rotating the flowcontrol lever 208 back to its original position. The mop, which isalready located in the wringer, can easily be wrung out of excess washsolution and then used for cleaning.

Consequently, a product line based on the present invention may bedeveloped. The bucket can be designed into multiple variations of shapeand size. A floor mopping system option can be designed with bucketoperation requiring a specially designed mop. Or a general purposecleaning bucket may be designed for other cleaning media (sponge, cloth,etc.)

Although the present invention has been explained hereinabove by way ofpreferred embodiments thereof, it should be pointed out that anymodifications to these preferred embodiments within the scope of theappended claims is not deemed to alter or change the nature and scope ofthe present invention.

For example, the bucket geometry and wringer receptacle mechanism can bemodified according to different designs and functional applications. Thebucket components may be of circular or rectangular or any other shape.In all cases, the operating principles remain similar. Alternately, thestorage reservoir can be closed off to form an integral storage tank. Ahousing cover is another alternative. The wringer valve mechanism can bealternately designed to operate by vertical translation rather than byrotation. In such a design configuration, a downward force on the mopstick opens the wash solution flow. The flow can then stop uponrelieving the applied force. A compression spring may then be used inthis configuration to load the wringer receptacle towards a closedposition. The wringer receptacle mechanism can also be designed to allowfor modulation of the wash solution flow rate (volume of solution persecond) into the wringer receptacle. Numerous changes as the onespresented above may be attempted without departing from the spirit orscope of the invention.

1. A bucket for handling liquids comprising: a collector reservoir; -awringer receptacle comprising: a collector outlet in fluid communicationwith the collector reservoir; and a storage reservoir comprising atleast one discharge aperture, said wringer receptacle being positionablebetween a first position wherein the wringer receptacle blocks the atleast one discharge aperture and a second position wherein the wringerreceptacle allows fluid communication between the storage reservoir andthe wringer receptacle through the at least one discharge aperture. 2.The bucket according to claim 1, wherein the wringer receptacle isrotatably positionable between the first position and the secondposition.
 3. The bucket according to claim 1, further comprising aspring mechanism for biasing the wringer receptacle towards the firstposition.
 4. The bucket according to claim 1, wherein the storagereservoir is removably attached to the bucket.
 5. The bucket accordingto claim 1, further comprising a flow control valve for controlling aflow rate through the at least one discharge aperture.
 6. The bucketaccording to claim 1, wherein the wringer receptacle further comprisesat least one fluid inlet aperture and the at least one fluid inletaperture is in register with the at least one discharge aperture whenthe wringer receptacle is in the second position.
 7. The bucketaccording to claim 4, wherein the storage reservoir further comprises atleast one spring valve closing the at least one discharge aperture.
 8. Abucket for handling liquids comprising: -a collector reservoir; awringer receptacle comprising: a collector outlet in fluid communicationwith the collector reservoir; and a biasing structure; and -a storagereservoir comprising: a discharge aperture; and -a spring valve closingthe discharge aperture; said wringer receptacle being positionablebetween a first position wherein the wringer receptacle biasingstructure allows fluid communication between the storage reservoir andthe wringer receptacle through the at least one discharge aperture byactuating the spring valve, and a second position wherein the wringerreceptacle biasing structure releases the spring valve and blocks fluidcommunication between the storage reservoir and the wringer receptacle.9. The bucket according to claim 8, wherein the wringer receptacle isrotatably positionable between the first position and the secondposition.
 10. The bucket according to claim 8, further comprising aspring mechanism for biasing the wringer receptacle towards the secondposition.
 11. The bucket according to claim 8, wherein the storagereservoir is removably attached to the bucket.
 12. The bucket accordingto claim 8, further comprising a flow control valve for controlling aflow rate through the at least one discharge aperture.
 13. The bucketaccording to claim 8, wherein the wringer receptacle further comprisesat least one fluid inlet aperture and the at least one fluid inletaperture is in register with the at least one discharge aperture whenthe wringer receptacle is in the first position.
 14. The bucketaccording to claim 1, wherein the storage reservoir comprises a firstfloor surface, the wringer receptacle comprises a second floor surface,the collector reservoir comprises a third floor surface, the first floorsurface is higher than the second floor surface and the second floorsurface is higher than the third floor surface.
 15. The bucket accordingto claim 1, wherein the wringer receptacle further comprises a pooldrain for draining liquids from the wringer receptacle independently ofthe collector outlet.
 16. The bucket according to claim 8, wherein thestorage reservoir comprises a first floor surface, the wringerreceptacle comprises a second floor surface, the collector reservoircomprises a third floor surface, the first floor surface is higher thanthe second floor surface and the second floor surface is higher than thethird floor surface.
 17. The bucket according to claim 8, wherein thewringer receptacle further comprises a pool drain for draining liquidsfrom the wringer receptacle independently of the collector outlet.